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In an alarming discovery, researchers have demonstrated a vulnerability in aftermarket in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems that allows hackers to install spyware in real time, tracking everything from GPS locations to personal calls. This new exploit targets the Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX, a popular and costly IVI system that has become a staple in consumer vehicles, particularly those from the 2010s. By taking advantage of several zero-day vulnerabilities, attackers can infiltrate the device and gain access to sensitive driver data.
Exploit Overview: How the Attack Works
Security researchers from NCC Group, Alex Plaskett and McCaulay Hudson, revealed at the Pwn2Own Automotive 2024 competition how they were able to combine three distinct zero-day vulnerabilities to infiltrate Pioneer’s aftermarket infotainment system. The attack, while intricate, essentially allows hackers to gain access to a driver’s personal data in real time, including phone call logs, browsing history, geolocation data, and even Wi-Fi passwords. This breakthrough exploit poses a significant threat to privacy, as attackers could track drivers’ every move.
Step 1: Gaining Network Access
The first part of the attack involves gaining network adjacency, typically through a personal hotspot. By establishing a connection to the infotainment system, an attacker can bypass the system’s security by exploiting a bug in its telematics application. This flaw, identified as CVE-2024-23928, has a moderate CVSS score of 6.5, but it provides the foothold attackers need to proceed.
Step 2: Manipulating Data Traffic
Once access is gained, the next step involves taking advantage of another flaw (CVE-2024-23929, CVSS 7.3) in the system’s third-party integration with Gracenote, a service used to display sports information. The flaw allows attackers to create a rogue server that mimics Gracenote’s legitimate service. By intercepting the data, attackers can manipulate it, injecting malicious files into the infotainment system.
Step 3: Injecting Malicious Files
With control over the data flow, attackers can then use a third vulnerability (CVE-2024-23930, CVSS 4.3) to plant a malicious file into the system’s configuration. This file, once executed, can provide full access to the device, granting hackers the ability to steal data or spy on the user’s activities.
The most concerning part of this attack chain is the fact that the device requires physical access, like plugging in a USB stick, to upload the malicious file. While this might seem like a barrier to entry, the researchers point out that it’s not an uncommon situation for passengers in taxis, hired vehicles, or even personal vehicles where the attacker has direct access.
The Aftermath: Vulnerability Remains for Many Users
Although Pioneer has released a patch for these vulnerabilities in version 3.06 of the DMH-WT7600NEX infotainment system, updating the device isn’t as straightforward as many consumers might think. Unlike standard software updates, users must manually download the firmware from Pioneer’s website, transfer it to a USB stick, and physically install the update in the system. This complex process means that many users likely remain exposed to the exploit, as they may not even be aware of the vulnerability.
Worse still, Pioneer did not explicitly mention the security issues in its patch release notes, furthering the likelihood that many drivers remain unaware of the risks they face.
What Undercode Says:
The exploit uncovered by the researchers highlights a concerning trend in the connected car ecosystem: vulnerabilities in systems that are not just targeted at traditional computing devices, but now extend to hardware integrated into our vehicles. While car infotainment systems have long been seen as a source of entertainment and convenience, this research underscores the risks associated with the increasing complexity of in-car technology.
At its core, the vulnerability exposes a real gap in consumer awareness and automotive security. While automakers have focused on securing vehicles against traditional threats like hacking into the engine or braking systems, the increasing reliance on infotainment systems connected to the internet and other personal devices creates new avenues for exploitation. The attack is a stark reminder that in the connected world, every device—whether in your car, home, or office—poses potential risks.
What’s especially troubling about this attack is that it combines both digital and physical access points. Though requiring a USB connection to install malware initially, the exploit could easily be adapted for more seamless forms of attack in the future. With the ability to track people in real-time—down to their GPS locations and personal communications—this type of vulnerability can have significant privacy and safety implications.
Moreover, the complexity involved in updating and securing IVI systems further highlights how these systems remain vulnerable for long periods after the patch is made available. It’s not enough to merely patch the vulnerability once—it requires a proactive approach from both the manufacturer and the consumer to ensure these systems remain secure.
As connected technology becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of our daily lives, the future will likely see even more sophisticated threats targeting vehicles. Researchers have already shown that it’s possible to hack a car’s infotainment system to gather sensitive data. We can expect more targeted exploits to emerge, especially as infotainment systems become central hubs for everything from navigation to personal banking.
In conclusion, this research underscores the necessity of tightening security around connected vehicle systems. Not only should manufacturers make updates easier for users, but they should also be transparent about potential vulnerabilities. This will ensure that consumers can make informed decisions about the devices they use and protect themselves from potential privacy invasions in the future.
Fact Checker Results:
- Vulnerability Verified: The vulnerabilities demonstrated by the NCC Group researchers are legitimate and have been assigned CVE identifiers.
- Pioneer Patch: Pioneer has indeed released an update, but the update process is cumbersome, leaving many users at risk.
- Real-Time Tracking: The ability to track drivers and access sensitive data, such as phone logs and GPS locations, has been confirmed as part of the exploit’s capabilities.
References:
Reported By: https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/car-exploit-spy-drivers-real-time
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